SOUTH Essex appears to have escaped the worst after a huge tidal surge battered the British coast.

There was some minor flooding on Southend seafront near the Three Shells cafe and some beach huts in Thorpe Bay were hit by flooding.

The Environment Agency issued severe flood warnings for Rochford, Battlesbridge, Paglesham and Great Wakering late last night.

Alerts were also sent out to residents on Canvey warning them to prepare for flooding.

The island, which was one of the worst affected areas in the deadly 1953 floods, was left relatively dry thanks to its improved flood defences.

Pathways along Southend seafront were left flooded after gale force winds, large waves and low pressure combined to create a tidal surge, which weather experts predicted would be the worst of its kind in more than 60 years.

Water levels were originally expected to peak at 2am, but the surge came an hour earlier than expected.

The flood situation in Essex has now been downgraded from severe flood warning to a flood warning.

There is still some risk to properties but the high tides have passed and whilst the full picture will not be known for some time, it appears that the county has fortunately not seen the same conditions as other parts of the country.

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The Environment Agency will be out assessing the flood defences to determine if any remedial work needs to be carried out.

The majority of the people who were evacuated from their homes in North Essex have now left the rest centres.

The emergency services worked with local authorities, Essex County Council, Health Service, Environment Agency and the military to ensure that the residents in the local communities near to the coast and rivers were kept safe.

The situation in Essex, which has one of the longest coastline in the Country, changed quite rapidly during the night. From an initial two main areas of severe flood warning, a further seven areas were added by midnight.

Ch Supt Simon Williams, Gold Commander said: “Contingency plans were implemented to protect the communities of Essex. All emergency services and authorities have worked tirelessly through the night to minimise the threat to the lives of those in the county. We are grateful for the additional support provided by military personnel from the Colchester Garrison and by mutual aid supplied by the Metropolitan Police."

For the latest check the Environment Agency website or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood outlook, and to sign up to receive free flood warnings.

" However, it added flood defences built since then – including the Thames, Deptford and Hull Barriers – mean that many parts of the country are much better protected than in 1953. "

That said, I wouldn't want to be on canvey. Normal weekend then really!

" However, it added flood defences built since then – including the Thames, Deptford and Hull Barriers – mean that many parts of the country are much better protected than in 1953. "
That said, I wouldn't want to be on canvey. Normal weekend then really!returnoftheleftie

We get this warnings every few years and I am sure we had severe warnings within the last year.
Trying to remember how much flooding if any has happened in the last 30 years?

[quote]Updated: Environment Agency warns of 'worst east coast tidal surge in 30 years'[/quote]
We get this warnings every few years and I am sure we had severe warnings within the last year.
Trying to remember how much flooding if any has happened in the last 30 years?j-w

We get this warnings every few years and I am sure we had severe warnings within the last year.
Trying to remember how much flooding if any has happened in the last 30 years?

Apart from every time it has rained a bit hard this year mean?

Man the lifeboats. All hands to the pump.....

[quote][p][bold]j-w[/bold] wrote:
[quote]Updated: Environment Agency warns of 'worst east coast tidal surge in 30 years'[/quote]
We get this warnings every few years and I am sure we had severe warnings within the last year.
Trying to remember how much flooding if any has happened in the last 30 years?[/p][/quote]Apart from every time it has rained a bit hard this year mean?
Man the lifeboats. All hands to the pump.....Howard Cháse

We get this warnings every few years and I am sure we had severe warnings within the last year. Trying to remember how much flooding if any has happened in the last 30 years?

errr, earlier this year when sarfend got a bit of a wash

[quote][p][bold]j-w[/bold] wrote:
[quote]Updated: Environment Agency warns of 'worst east coast tidal surge in 30 years'[/quote] We get this warnings every few years and I am sure we had severe warnings within the last year. Trying to remember how much flooding if any has happened in the last 30 years?[/p][/quote]errr, earlier this year when sarfend got a bit of a washtomtheDJ

Will the resevoir in Rochford and the Roach brook overflow again and what have Rochford and Essex county council done to stop reflooding. Still not cleared up since August, my friend ha sstill not returned to her home since the August flood.

Will the resevoir in Rochford and the Roach brook overflow again and what have Rochford and Essex county council done to stop reflooding. Still not cleared up since August, my friend ha sstill not returned to her home since the August flood.CHRISTMAS CAROL

Parsnip wrote:
The Thames barrier being closed means save London &amp; flood south Essex even worse

Essex is the sacrificial lamb, as London needs protection, interesting to note that the spring tide will be 6 plus metres, with a surge of 2 metres, looks like Canvey is the safest place as the sea wall is 4m above the highest spring tides of 7 metres, Barling Magna is most at risk...

[quote][p][bold]Parsnip[/bold] wrote:
The Thames barrier being closed means save London & flood south Essex even worse[/p][/quote]Essex is the sacrificial lamb, as London needs protection, interesting to note that the spring tide will be 6 plus metres, with a surge of 2 metres, looks like Canvey is the safest place as the sea wall is 4m above the highest spring tides of 7 metres, Barling Magna is most at risk...Nowthatsworthknowing

ChockHead wrote:
Spare a thought for those poor soles who reside in Old Harwich and Bathside...I hope the sea wall and flood gates hold out on the Quay! :0O

So do I I live there mind you we haven't had a flood since 53 so we should be alright

[quote][p][bold]ChockHead[/bold] wrote:
Spare a thought for those poor soles who reside in Old Harwich and Bathside...I hope the sea wall and flood gates hold out on the Quay! :0O[/p][/quote]So do I I live there mind you we haven't had a flood since 53 so we should be alrightJennieleigh1990

Nowthatsworthknowing wrote:
One saving grace is the fact the wind isn't coming from the East.

If it was coming from the East we wouldn't have a tidal surge on it's way.

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
One saving grace is the fact the wind isn't coming from the East.[/p][/quote]If it was coming from the East we wouldn't have a tidal surge on it's way.bazza 1

purpleorange wrote:
6 metres plus a 2 metre surge?.... oh dear... Wivenhoe flood barrier is only 8 metres high and I live on the hythe waterfront... Only saving grace is I am 6 floors up!! Not looking good!!

I hope your car is now parked in one of those lovely car parks which are pretty much below river level. I have been on Hawkins Road before watching water flowing into one at a hell of a rate. Let's hope Wivenhoe does its job....

[quote][p][bold]purpleorange[/bold] wrote:
6 metres plus a 2 metre surge?.... oh dear... Wivenhoe flood barrier is only 8 metres high and I live on the hythe waterfront... Only saving grace is I am 6 floors up!! Not looking good!![/p][/quote]I hope your car is now parked in one of those lovely car parks which are pretty much below river level. I have been on Hawkins Road before watching water flowing into one at a hell of a rate. Let's hope Wivenhoe does its job....romantic

purpleorange wrote:
6 metres plus a 2 metre surge?.... oh dear... Wivenhoe flood barrier is only 8 metres high and I live on the hythe waterfront... Only saving grace is I am 6 floors up!! Not looking good!!

I hope your car is now parked in one of those lovely car parks which are pretty much below river level. I have been on Hawkins Road before watching water flowing into one at a hell of a rate. Let's hope Wivenhoe does its job....

Not, I mean, not now!

[quote][p][bold]romantic[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]purpleorange[/bold] wrote:
6 metres plus a 2 metre surge?.... oh dear... Wivenhoe flood barrier is only 8 metres high and I live on the hythe waterfront... Only saving grace is I am 6 floors up!! Not looking good!![/p][/quote]I hope your car is now parked in one of those lovely car parks which are pretty much below river level. I have been on Hawkins Road before watching water flowing into one at a hell of a rate. Let's hope Wivenhoe does its job....[/p][/quote]Not, I mean, not now!romantic

Well pictures of Norfolk look bad already Sounds like we'll see what effect the Thames Barriers being closed has on Essex. Not looking forward to it
Hope everybody on Canvey don't suffer anything like 1953

Why are we getting so many more incidences of bad weather lately?

Well pictures of Norfolk look bad already Sounds like we'll see what effect the Thames Barriers being closed has on Essex. Not looking forward to it
Hope everybody on Canvey don't suffer anything like 1953
Why are we getting so many more incidences of bad weather lately?whataday

whataday wrote:
Well pictures of Norfolk look bad already Sounds like we'll see what effect the Thames Barriers being closed has on Essex. Not looking forward to it
Hope everybody on Canvey don't suffer anything like 1953

Why are we getting so many more incidences of bad weather lately?

Climate change m'lord.

[quote][p][bold]whataday[/bold] wrote:
Well pictures of Norfolk look bad already Sounds like we'll see what effect the Thames Barriers being closed has on Essex. Not looking forward to it
Hope everybody on Canvey don't suffer anything like 1953
Why are we getting so many more incidences of bad weather lately?[/p][/quote]Climate change m'lord.Danshrimp

I experienced the 1953 Canvey Flood @ age 6. My father nearly killed us both in his efforts to get us to higher land, as neither of us could swim. He went under, dropping me in the process, and if I had not caught hold of a floating fence panel, and he had held onto my pyjama top, he would never had lived until 98, and I would have been one of the many young casualties claimed by the flood. Ironically he left my mother, and my gran in the loft of our bungalow - and they were strong swimmers!
After this life or death moment, it was no surprise that I learned to swim at an early age, and ended up qualifying as a RLSS Instructor in my teens. I also ensured that all my children learned to swim at an early age, and I now live at one of Rayleigh's highest points.

I experienced the 1953 Canvey Flood @ age 6. My father nearly killed us both in his efforts to get us to higher land, as neither of us could swim. He went under, dropping me in the process, and if I had not caught hold of a floating fence panel, and he had held onto my pyjama top, he would never had lived until 98, and I would have been one of the many young casualties claimed by the flood. Ironically he left my mother, and my gran in the loft of our bungalow - and they were strong swimmers!
After this life or death moment, it was no surprise that I learned to swim at an early age, and ended up qualifying as a RLSS Instructor in my teens. I also ensured that all my children learned to swim at an early age, and I now live at one of Rayleigh's highest points.Shrimper1

The forecast high water is due at 2:00am on Friday 6 December 2013. The predicted astronomical tide level is 3.03 m AODN. The forecast surge height is 1.1 m. The forecast tide level is 4.13 m AODN. The forecast wind direction is West North West. The forecast wind strength is force 6

The forecast high water is due at 2:00am on Friday 6 December 2013. The predicted astronomical tide level is 3.03 m AODN. The forecast surge height is 1.1 m. The forecast tide level is 4.13 m AODN. The forecast wind direction is West North West. The forecast wind strength is force 6.

Looking at this there is a low risk of flooding in Southend.
Flood status last changed: Thu, 5 Dec 2013 17:41:00 UTC
Essex Coast from Shoeburyness to Southend Sea Front including Southchurch Park
The forecast high water is due at 2:00am on Friday 6 December 2013. The predicted astronomical tide level is 3.03 m AODN. The forecast surge height is 1.1 m. The forecast tide level is 4.13 m AODN. The forecast wind direction is West North West. The forecast wind strength is force 6
Flood status last changed: Thu, 5 Dec 2013 17:48:00 UTC
Essex Coast from Leigh-on-Sea to Purfleet including Canvey Island, Tilbury and Dartford
The forecast high water is due at 2:00am on Friday 6 December 2013. The predicted astronomical tide level is 3.03 m AODN. The forecast surge height is 1.1 m. The forecast tide level is 4.13 m AODN. The forecast wind direction is West North West. The forecast wind strength is force 6.
http://www.environme
nt-agency.gov.uk/hom
eandleisure/floods/1
42151.aspxJoe Clark

Nowthatsworthknowing wrote:
One saving grace is the fact the wind isn't coming from the East.

Doesn't make a lot of difference, it's the air pressure that really does the damage. Wind only makes inches of difference, maybe a foot at most in the most severe weather but pressure makes meters of difference. In 1953 the major culprit was an area of low pressure that swept all the way down the North Sea bringing a low dome of water with it which rose as it was forced into the funnel shaped southern North Sea where it coincided with a particularly high high tide. There is a low pressure wave coming our way now but as far as I can see it doesn't look as bad as 1953 but we shall see.

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
One saving grace is the fact the wind isn't coming from the East.[/p][/quote]Doesn't make a lot of difference, it's the air pressure that really does the damage. Wind only makes inches of difference, maybe a foot at most in the most severe weather but pressure makes meters of difference. In 1953 the major culprit was an area of low pressure that swept all the way down the North Sea bringing a low dome of water with it which rose as it was forced into the funnel shaped southern North Sea where it coincided with a particularly high high tide. There is a low pressure wave coming our way now but as far as I can see it doesn't look as bad as 1953 but we shall see.Fred the Phoenix

Along the seafront water just lapping over, near the casino and adventure island.

and old leigh has minor flooding mostly at the turn around point where the toilets are, lots of people around too.

time for bed now.

Two tree island carpark flooded.
Along the seafront water just lapping over, near the casino and adventure island.
and old leigh has minor flooding mostly at the turn around point where the toilets are, lots of people around too.
time for bed now.DogsMessInLeigh

John Bull 40 wrote:
Bird flu, aids, global warming, floods and destruction, we are all doomed,
see you next week when its all blown over.

you forgot to mention the immigrants.

[quote][p][bold]John Bull 40[/bold] wrote:
Bird flu, aids, global warming, floods and destruction, we are all doomed,
see you next week when its all blown over.[/p][/quote]you forgot to mention the immigrants.Jb66

Fill up yer sandbags the water's rising fast,
Grab your belongings - how long will it last,
Seek refuge from flat lands, away from the coast,
or climb to a hill up to a higher post.

Global warming is showing her hand
at all four corners of this wonderful land
We've burnt and used it without care worry
Off to the hills you'll see people scurry.

Fill up yer sandbags the water's rising fast,
Grab your belongings - how long will it last,
Seek refuge from flat lands, away from the coast,
or climb to a hill up to a higher post.
Global warming is showing her hand
at all four corners of this wonderful land
We've burnt and used it without care worry
Off to the hills you'll see people scurry.Nowthatsworthknowing

woolstone wrote:
Global warning is showing her hand, no I think its Mother nature showing her hand.

Doh, this is weather, not climate.

WEATHER IS DICTATED BY CLIMATE...DoH

[quote][p][bold]Fred the Phoenix[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]woolstone[/bold] wrote:
Global warning is showing her hand, no I think its Mother nature showing her hand.[/p][/quote]Doh, this is weather, not climate.[/p][/quote]WEATHER IS DICTATED BY CLIMATE...DoHNowthatsworthknowing

John Bull 40 wrote:
Bird flu, aids, global warming, floods and destruction, we are all doomed,
see you next week when its all blown over.

you forgot to mention the immigrants.

And the cyclists....

[quote][p][bold]Jb66[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]John Bull 40[/bold] wrote:
Bird flu, aids, global warming, floods and destruction, we are all doomed,
see you next week when its all blown over.[/p][/quote]you forgot to mention the immigrants.[/p][/quote]And the cyclists....Howard Cháse

It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.

If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.

It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.
If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.CO6 resident

woolstone wrote:
Global warning is showing her hand, no I think its Mother nature showing her hand.

Doh, this is weather, not climate.

WEATHER IS DICTATED BY CLIMATE...DoH

Not that simple, if it was there wouldn't be so many people in denial about climate change. And why should these surges get any more frequent? They only happen when we have a low pressure system moving down the North Sea which is a rare event as they usually go straight ACROSS it. To cause us problems they also have to coincide with the local high tide which last happened 60 years ago so I ask you again why should these surges become more frequent? You sir are a classic example of a little bit of knowledge being a dangerous thing.

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Fred the Phoenix[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]woolstone[/bold] wrote:
Global warning is showing her hand, no I think its Mother nature showing her hand.[/p][/quote]Doh, this is weather, not climate.[/p][/quote]WEATHER IS DICTATED BY CLIMATE...DoH[/p][/quote]Not that simple, if it was there wouldn't be so many people in denial about climate change. And why should these surges get any more frequent? They only happen when we have a low pressure system moving down the North Sea which is a rare event as they usually go straight ACROSS it. To cause us problems they also have to coincide with the local high tide which last happened 60 years ago so I ask you again why should these surges become more frequent? You sir are a classic example of a little bit of knowledge being a dangerous thing.Fred the Phoenix

CO6 resident wrote:
It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.

If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.

Ha ha, what a load of old codswallop. People have been looking for god for at least 4 thousand years, if the idea had any merit whatsoever we would have found at least a tiny spark of evidence for it so please do tell me, where is your evidence??? And as for your idea that god keeps you safe, did he stop the Indian Ocean tsunami or the holocaust or the children dying of bone cancer or suffering at the hands of paedophiles. Where is your mythical god now?!!!

[quote][p][bold]CO6 resident[/bold] wrote:
It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.
If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.[/p][/quote]Ha ha, what a load of old codswallop. People have been looking for god for at least 4 thousand years, if the idea had any merit whatsoever we would have found at least a tiny spark of evidence for it so please do tell me, where is your evidence??? And as for your idea that god keeps you safe, did he stop the Indian Ocean tsunami or the holocaust or the children dying of bone cancer or suffering at the hands of paedophiles. Where is your mythical god now?!!!Fred the Phoenix

CO6 resident wrote:
It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.

If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.

Why do they fit lightening conductors to churches then?

[quote][p][bold]CO6 resident[/bold] wrote:
It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.
If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.[/p][/quote]Why do they fit lightening conductors to churches then?John Bull 40

[quote][p][bold]april1971[/bold] wrote:
Anyone know if Jaywick and Mersea island got flooded...please and many thanks x[/p][/quote]The way I have heard it, yes, bits of both but unconfirmed.Fred the Phoenix

CO6 resident wrote:
It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.

If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.

Great news I will bear that in mind if Joey Essex gets voted off "I'm a celeb" Didn't know how i would cope until this post.

[quote][p][bold]CO6 resident[/bold] wrote:
It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.
If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.[/p][/quote]Great news I will bear that in mind if Joey Essex gets voted off "I'm a celeb" Didn't know how i would cope until this post.robb789

CO6 resident wrote:
It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.

If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.

Err, I think all the £millions that the Environment Agency spent on shoring up our sea defences had rather more to do with it, they reckon that if they hadn't done that another 800,000 people would have suffered the other night. Don't suppose you have the tiniest bit of evidence that your god is real do you? Thought not. Believing something despite all the evidence is the definition of insanity.

[quote][p][bold]CO6 resident[/bold] wrote:
It is quite clear that as society becomes more Godless, so the authorities and most people panic at the slightest whiff of something out of the ordinary.
If God is your strength you'll know you are safe, whatever the crisis.[/p][/quote]Err, I think all the £millions that the Environment Agency spent on shoring up our sea defences had rather more to do with it, they reckon that if they hadn't done that another 800,000 people would have suffered the other night. Don't suppose you have the tiniest bit of evidence that your god is real do you? Thought not. Believing something despite all the evidence is the definition of insanity.Fred the Phoenix